Turkey Day, a Feast for the Heart and Soul at Arcadia Run

Thanksgiving at Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA is a tapestry of history and heartfelt appreciation. As the holiday season approaches, it’s vital to grasp the authentic roots of this cherished day.

In 1620, when the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, they met the Wampanoag tribe, who generously shared farming and trade wisdom. This exchange underscored the reciprocal relationship with nature and the significance of gratitude.

This meeting of cultures brought together unique traditions. Thanksgiving wasn’t novel; both colonists and Wampanoag recognized the power of gathering in thanks.

It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. 

In 2023, a traditional part of the holiday is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A visual spectacle of balloons, floats, performances, and more. Whether you watch on NBC or stake out a spot along the 2.5-mile route, you’re in for a treat.

Expect Broadway acts, live music, marching bands, and more. The parade embodies the creativity and artistry of this vibrant city.

Thanksgiving surpasses tradition; it’s a national holiday devoted to unity and appreciation. It’s a moment to reflect on blessings and cherish time with loved ones. At Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA, join us for a Thanksgiving celebration that pays homage to history and creates cherished memories. Embrace the spirit of thanks and relish the boundless possibilities this season brings. Happy Turkey Day!

Goblins, Ghouls, and Goofballs Embracing Halloween at Arcadia Run

It’s ooky, it’s spooky, it’s just a little kooky, it’s the crème brúlée before turkey day- it’s Halloween! Hold on to your broomsticks, because Arcadia Run wants you to have a fang-tastic howl-iday. October 31st is sure to brew up a cauldron of spooktacular fun that will leave you cackling with delight. 

Hi, Barbie! Costumes this year are sure to be totally Barbiecore. We cannot wait to see all the creative Barbies, Kens, Skippers, and Allans walking around donning pink and looking great. Get imaginative and Barbie-fie a classic Halloween costume! Witch Barbie, Ghost Barbie, Scarecrow Barbie, there are endless possibilities for creativity. Don’t want to party as a Barbie? Creative, silly, punny, and scary costumes are always welcome! If you got it, haunt it.

Spiders, eyeballs, and skeletons- oh my! One of the best parts of the spooky season is all the boo-tiful decorations. Make spiders to crawl on your steps or up your walls. Create a glow-in-the-dark eyeball wreath to terrify and delight you and your guests. DIY your own skeleton army! From a skeleton centerpiece to a full bone collection. If you’re not too crafty, stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Goods will always have wonderfully wicked decor to choose from. 

Enjoy your Halloween however you want, from screaming and scary to silly and ooky spooky! 

Days to Remember in September for Arcadia Run Community

Each September hosts meaningful days to remember and honor our country. This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 4th. The holiday always takes place on the first Monday of September. In addition, this month, Arcadia Run remembers 9/11 while honoring the memories of those we lost. 

Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the most significant production the world has ever known. The labor movement has brought us closer to realizing our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. Therefore it is more than appropriate that this nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of its strength, freedom, and leadership- the American worker.  

September 11th, also known as Patriot Day, is a dedicated time to reflect on the devastating attack and remember those whose lives were lost and those who fought on the front lines. Coming from the National Park Service, The 22nd Anniversary of the Service of Remembrance will be live-streamed via the Flight 93 National Memorial YouTube channel. Then, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will be hosting a live 30-minute digital program. View a film highlighting first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath and connect with Museum staff in real time.

Getting Back to School With Arcadia Run

It is unfortunately not the most wonderful time of the year because it is officially back-to-school season. Arcadia Run wants everyone to be prepared for another great school year and squeeze out any summer fun left! 

First and foremost, let’s get outside and enjoy the summer weather, in any way you can! Anything from walking around our beautiful Arcadia Run property to planning a beach day. Take your workouts outdoors or just relax while soaking up some vitamin D rays. 

After getting in your sunshine time, enjoy relaxing and the final lazy days of summer. Who says you can’t binge-watch your favorite tv show or movie trilogy? It’s the perfect time to rewatch The Hunger Games movies or catch up on those tv shows you’ve been meaning to watch. Whether you’re a reality tv fan and still haven’t watched The Traitors or finally catching up on the drama series Yellowjackets

Also, take advantage of this remaining free time by planning to return to school. Get out the old backpacks, notebooks, and school supplies. Try reusing last year’s school supplies as much as possible. Even notebooks that aren’t filled up can be reused. These last few days of summer should be about getting in all those last-minute memories and doing what you can to prepare for getting back to school. 

Decadent Summer Desserts

Who’s ready to beat the heat? Don’t get us wrong we are loving the July summer weather! However, a cool refreshing treat can be just what you need right now. Using your state-of-the-art kitchen here at Arcadia Run, check out these delicious treats to make all summer long-  maybe even all year long! 

Lemon Bars are always a great dessert for summer, as lemons are in season all summer long. With bright bursts of lemon, buttery sweetness, and crispy crust, these easy lemon bars will be irresistible.

Ice Cream Sandwiches can be customized and will be a delicious dessert. Make your own cookies or get them from the store. Take two cookies, put a scoop of ice cream in the middle, and maybe even roll it in sprinkles. 

Dirt Dessert may not sound appetizing, but you will soon fall in love with it. With ingredients like Oreos, cheesecake filling, and gummy worms- there’s no way to go wrong.

Peanut Butter Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert, meaning it is ideal for rising temperatures with no need to heat your oven. With a prep time of less than 15 minutes, you might be making icebox cakes for the reason of the season. 

Remember, if you don’t feel like making anything from scratch, an ice cream sundae bar will be just the thing you need! 

Father’s Day and Residents Appreciation Day

It’s the most magical time of year. The time to appreciate you! That’s right, you- our residents! This June hosts Resident Appreciation Day which recognizes all of our incredible residents that call our Arcadia Run community their home. 

Not only is June home to Resident Appreciation Day- one of the most important holidays- but also the official start of the summer season and LGBTQ+ Pride month. Additionally, June celebrates the National Month of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness, Aquariums, Great Outdoors, Iced Tea, and Father’s Day! 

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was founded in the state of Washington by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1910. Eventually, Father’s Day became a national holiday to be celebrated every third Sunday of June in 1972. 

The best way to celebrate your Father this June is to plan a day around his favorite things and activities. If he loves being outside, plan a day of hiking, games, and a family picnic. If Dad loves to learn, go to a museum, take an ancestry test, or try an online cooking class. Or if your father loves unwinding and relaxing, make him breakfast in bed, go to the movies, and play video games together. 

From your dad, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or whoever you are celebrating this June; make this Father’s Day one to remember while here at Arcadia Run! 

May Birth Symbols

Happy May Arcadia Run residents! Summer is right around the corner and we are so excited for these upcoming months. But May is still a great month filled with fun, excitement, and beautiful weather. You know what they say, April showers bring May flowers. 

The May birth flowers are the beautiful Hawthorn and Lily-of-the-Valley. 

The Lily-of-the-Valley is a perennial groundcover that can spread it’s small, dainty, bell-shaped flowers widely given the right conditions. The flower represents sweetness, the return of happiness, and purity. 

Hawthorns are flowering shrubs a part of the rose family with flowers that bloom in May in small red, white, or pink clusters. Small berries, called hews, sprout after the flowers. The hawthorn has been a long-standing symbol of hope. 

For those interested in learning more about the month of May, its birthstone is the emerald. Coloring ranges from light to rich green, with more saturated hues being more valuable. The emerald symbolizes rebirth and fertility and was thought of to grant foresight, cure various diseases, soothe nerves, improve memory, and ensure loyalty. 

May acts as the bridge between spring and summer in Manassas, VA, hinting at warmer weather for those still stuck in spring’s grasp, while heating things up for those already well on their way.

Local Events for Arcadia Run

It’s finally spring Arcadia Run! April is the first full month of the new season, and we are already enjoying the warmer weather and beautiful blooming nature. It is the ideal time to get out and enjoy the local events in Manassas, VA.

The 5k Beer Run– This fun run starts at Sinistral Brewery at 11 am on April 22nd. Walk, run, or jog a 5k course that weaves throughout the Historic Old Town of Manassas. A portion of the proceeds from the race goes to support local non-profits. 

Mountaintop Dinner Experience– A free family dinner on top of a mountaintop. Including live performances, raffles, and beautiful views. 

This, That, & The Other: 80s Rock/ Metal Tribute– Band members from Cinderella, Bret Michaels Band, Funny Money, and more have come together to form an 80s rock/metal cover band that will blow you away with their sound. Party all night long on April 7th at The Salisbury Center located at 8890 Mathis Avenue Manassas, VA 20110. 

These are just a few of the incredible events happening in our Manassas, VA backyard. Sign up for one of these events, or all of them, or find other ways to appreciate the spring season at Arcadia Run!

Celebrating International Women’s Day at Arcadia Run

On March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all around the world. At Arcadia Run, we believe that gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to creating a better world. That’s why we are thrilled to celebrate this important day with our residents, staff, and community.

To honor this day, we have put together some ideas for how you can celebrate and show your support for women:

Support women-owned businesses: Shop at local stores owned by women, or order from restaurants and cafes owned by women. You can also look for organizations that support women entrepreneurs and make a donation.

Attend an event: Attend a virtual or in-person event dedicated to women’s empowerment and gender equality. This could be a panel discussion, a workshop, a movie screening, or a concert.

Educate yourself: Take some time to read and learn about the struggles and achievements of women throughout history and around the world. You can also learn about the current state of women’s rights and gender equality in your community and beyond.

Volunteer: Support a local women’s organization by volunteering your time or making a donation. You can also organize a fundraiser or donation drive to support women in need.

At Arcadia Run, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all of our residents. We believe that every individual deserves respect, equal rights, and equal opportunities. On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women, and let’s continue to work towards a more equal and just world for all.

Cute Valentine’s Day Craft

It’s the most romantic day of the year, Arcadia Run residents! But, seriously, no pressure. 

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all of romance. It can be simply a great day to enjoy with those you love. Even just spending some quality time and having fun with a loved one in our community room will have you feeling the love. There are plenty of ways to show your love this Valentine’s Day. 

While gifts are a traditional part of the holiday, they don’t have to be budget-breaking. Sure, places like Target are overflowing with adorably-themed pillows, candles, wreaths, and the works. But what could be better than creating something with your own two hands?!

Make a DIY Etched Wine Glass: Surprise your sweetheart with a home-cooked meal and a personalized etched wine glass. Which is actually much easier to make than it seems!

Heart-Shaped Elbow Patch: Wear your heart on your sleeve, literally. Make it yourself or for your Valentine, using an old sweater or two and scrap fabric (or even paper)! 

Lipstick Art: All you need is a piece of white card stock and shades of lipstick for this fun-themed wall art. 

Valentine’s Day is all about love. Spend the day in Manassas, VA or cuddle inside, as long as you are surrounded by love then there’s no way to go wrong.